This summer has brought tremendous amounts of rainfall, and with it, perfect conditions for fungal leaf spot. Most leaf spots need high temperatures, high humidity and extended periods of leaf wetness to infect their host. Of course, this season the weather conditions have been optimal for fungal diseases. One tree species that is affected by this fungal disease is the maple tree.

Walking through Karen Oliver’s gardens is like taking a walk back in time. The master gardener and North Augusta resident has plants that have been handed down through the years and many of them evoke memories of days gone by.

“My mother was born in northern Louisiana in 1912,” says Oliver by way of introducing her favorite plant, the turks cap flower. “When she was a bride, an old woman gave her this plant, but she didn’t know the name of it.”

It wasn’t until many years later, when Oliver herself was married, that she began to seek out the origin and name of the plant.

08/04/13 - 12:00am

Navy Seaman Mohamed A. Fouad, son of Chakib Fouad of Grovetown, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Fouad is a 2012 graduate of Grovetown High School.

Army National Guard Pfc. Joshua J. McKinney has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia. McKinney is the son of James Haynes of Thomson and is a 2011 graduate of Thomson High School.

• Greater Columbia County Republican Women will have its monthly meeting 7 p.m., Friday, at Be My Guest Catering & Events, 4216 Washington Road, Evans. A social hour and dinner begins at 6 p.m. The featured speaker is Pinal County, Ariz., Sheriff Paul Babeu, who will discuss illegal immigration and border security. Dinner is $12, RSVP to info@gccrw.org, GCCRW.GOP@Gmail.com, or (706) 925-5330.